Giving thanks and looking forward

I know everyone's stuffed with turkey and on the edge of a food coma, but go ahead and check out this new video the World Wildlife Foundation just released for Earth Hour 2011. It's really inspiring and makes me excited for the year ahead!

More than 128 countries will be participating in Earth Hour 2011. For 60 minutes, people are pledging to shut off their lights. Whole cities will go dark. So, Saturday, March 26, 2011, turn off your lights at 8:30 p.m. and sit in the dark for a good cause.

Bear hugs

If I buy a Nissan Leaf, will a polar bear come hug me? Joking aside, this commercial is pretty powerful. I'd like to see the manliest man not be somewhat affected by this bear's journey.

Green cleaning

Most of us college kids clean, right? Well, the next time you go to the store to grab something to clean your bathroom or kitchen, choose eco-friendly products. Did you know that companies are not required to list the ingredients of chemical cleaners? These cleaners can pollute the air inside your home and even cause health problems. According to U.S. EPA estimates, indoor air pollution levels can be as much as 100 times above outdoor air pollution levels.

So, how do you pick eco-friendly products? The easiest thing to do is to look for the government’s “Design for the Environment” logo. Products with this logo on the label means they only contain chemicals the EPA believes are the safe. These products are phthalates and heavy metal free. Products like Method and Clorox’s Green Works both have earned the “Design for the Environment” logo.

My arsenal of cleaning green cleaning products.

One of my favorite products is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap. A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure essential oils, creates this all-purpose soap. The label claims 18 uses, but I’m sure there are hundreds. Dr. Bronner’s can be diluted to make a simple cleaner, laundry detergent or even toothpaste. The soap is certified under the USDA National Organic Program and is Fair Trade.

If you’re running low on cash, basic green cleaners like vinegar and club soda can sometimes be just as effective as store-bought products. Vinegar and baking soda can become you’re perfect all-purpose cleaner, and it won’t harm the environment.  Cornstarch can be used to clean window, polish furniture, and shampoo carpets.

The next time you’re in a panic because your parents are coming over, reach for some natural, earth-friendly cleaning products. Using chemical cleaners may get rid of the dust on your table and the dirt on your floor, but it could also create whole new set of problems.

Green event brings energy to NC State

On any given day you can catch students, like myself, sleeping, studying or socializing in Caldwell Lounge. Last week, however, the normally quiet area became a lively environmental information hub.

The basics of photovoltaics.

NCSU students created posters for “Green Germany and the Transatlantic Climate Bridge,” which showcased research on Germany’s various environmental initiatives. Communication students researched how the media portrays environmental issues, engineers laid out the basics of photovoltaic cells, and political junkies researched German political party stances on green legislation.

The event, sponsored by the German Embassy and the German Studies program, helped answer the question, “What can Americans learn from Europe’s most efficient nation?”

Biking to keep the light on.

From a manufacturing and economic standpoint, Germany and the United States appear very similar. But from an environmental perspective, many differences arise between the two countries. The average per capita electricity use per year is nearly double in the United States.

To demonstrate the disparities in energy use, students could hop on the “Bike for Light.” The stationary bike was hooked up to a generator and when students pedaled, they produced energy to power a light. The interactive set up also allowed students to bike through the countries of the world based on energy consumption. Students began the trek in the country with the lowest energy consumption – the Gaza Strip. Iceland, with the most kWh per capita each year, was the bike’s last stop. I biked my way through Korea and ended in Peru.

It was great to see NC State students taking an initiative to learn about other countries and other approaches to environmental legislation.

Who knew you could bike from Korea to Peru?

Ditching the shampoo

No more!

You know they say everything comes back into style.  Unlike popped colors and 80s neon, this one I am happy about (although I've kept it a secret for some time).  A growing number of people, including myself, have ditched daily showers.  The NY Times reports "some people have all but abandoned the idea of soap, shampoo or deodorant and yet still manage to have friends, relationships and office jobs."  "The Great Unwashed" is what the newspaper calls these people, whose habits range from washing their hair less frequently to not using deodorant.

Daily cleansing has become a ritual and a norm for most people.  I don't recall what my elementary school bathing habits were, but I do remember that in middle school I began washing my hair every day.  I jumped in the shower every morning at 6:15 so I could wear my hair down like all the other girls in sixth grade.  Unfortunately, there was a bad side effect - my hair and skin became extremely dry.

I don't see this no-washing trend as an act of rebellion against societal norms or an environmental movement.  I think as we become more conscious of what is good for our bodies, we realize that showering once or even twice a day is completely unnecessary and time consuming - maybe we're even a little lazy.  Less showering has beauty and health benefits.  Many stylists actually recommend washing your hair only a few times a week.  I generally wash my hair every other day, depending on my activities.  I find this gets the job done.  I'm not stinky.  My hair looks decent.  And my skin is smooth.  So, I will revel in this new-found trend of minimal washing.